Washington Islands Wilderness

Washington Islands Wilderness
Map showing the location of Washington Islands Wilderness
Location Clallam / Jefferson counties, Washington, United States
Nearest city Kalaloch, Washington
Coordinates 47°44′40″N 124°29′40″W / 47.74444°N 124.49444°W / 47.74444; -124.49444Coordinates: 47°44′40″N 124°29′40″W / 47.74444°N 124.49444°W / 47.74444; -124.49444
Area 452 acres (1.83 km2) land area only
Established 1970
Governing body United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington Islands Wilderness is a protected area consisting of more than 600 islands, rocks, and reefs belonging to the three Washington Islands National Wildlife Refuges in Washington state. Although the land base is only about 1.8 square kilometres (0.69 sq mi), the total protected area covers over 780 square kilometres (300 sq mi).[1]

Washington Islands Wilderness comprises the Flattery Rocks, Quillayute Needles (except for Destruction Island), and Copalis National Wildlife Refuges.[2] This includes all of the islands, rocks, and reefs along 100 miles (160 km) of the northwest Washington Pacific coast with the exception of Tatoosh Island, James Island, and Destruction Island.[1]

Dozens of bird species breed on the wilderness' islands thousands of migratory birds use them as rest stops. Other wildlife that can be seen include sea lions, harbor seals, and otters. The entire wilderness is closed to public entry in order to protect the wildlife. Boats are also requested to maintain a 200-yard (180 m) buffer, and aircraft are requested to maintain 2,000 feet (610 m) above the islands.[2]

References


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